by C. M. Allen
Table of Contents
DEDICATIONS
PROLOGUE
CHAPTER ONE HUDSON
CHAPTER TWO PRESLEY
CHAPTER THREE HUDSON
CHAPTER FOUR PRESLEY
CHAPTER FIVE HUDSON
CHAPTER SIX PRESLEY
CHAPTER SEVEN HUDSON
CHAPTER EIGHT PRESLEY
CHAPTER NINE HUDSON
CHAPTER TEN PRESLEY
CHAPTER ELEVEN HUDSON
CHAPTER TWELVE PRESLEY
CHAPTER THIRTEEN HUDSON
CHAPTER FOURTEEN PRESLEY
CHAPTER FIFTEEN HUDSON
CHAPTER SIXTEEN PRESLEY
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN HUDSON
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN PRESLEY
CHAPTER NINETEEN HUDSON
CHAPTER TWENTY PRESLEY
CHAPTER TWENTY ONE HUDSON
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO PRESLEY
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE HUDSON
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR PRESLEY
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE HUDSON
CHAPTER TWENTY SIX PRESLEY
CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN HUDSON
CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT PRESLEY
CHAPTER TWENTY NINE HUDSON
CHAPTER THIRTY PRESLEY
CHAPTER THIRTY ONE HUDSON
CHAPTER THIRTY TWO PRESLEY
CHAPTER THIRTY THREE HUDSON
CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR PRESLEY
CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE HUDSON
CHAPTER THIRTY SIX PRESLEY
CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN HUDSON
CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT PRESLEY
CHAPTER THIRTY NINE HUDSON
CHAPTER FORTY PRESLEY
CHAPTER FORTY ONE HUDSON
CHAPTER FORTY TWO PRESLEY
CHAPTER FORTY THREE HUDSON
CHAPTER FORTY FOUR PRESLEY
CHAPTER FORTY FIVE HUDSON
CHAPTER FORTY SIX PRESLEY
CHAPTER FORTY SEVEN HUDSON
CHAPTER FORTY EIGHT PRESLEY
CHAPTER FORTY NINE HUDSON
CHAPTER FIFTY PRESLEY
CHAPTER FIFTY ONE HUDSON
CHAPTER FIFTY TWO PRESLEY
CHAPTER FIFTY THREE HUDSON
CHAPTER FIFTY FOUR PRESLEY
CHAPTER FIFTY FIVE HUDSON
CHAPTER FIFTY SIX PRESLEY
CHAPTER FIFTY SEVEN HUDSON
CHAPTER FIFTY EIGHT PRESLEY
CHAPTER FIFTY NINE HUDSON
EPILOGUE ONE MONTH LATER THANKSGIVING PRESLEY
EPILOGUE SIX MONTHS LATER HUDSON
DEDICATIONS
I would like to thank all my family and friends for your support I could’nt have done it without you. A special thanks to my proof readers that keep me on track and going in the right direction, and put up with my endless changes you’re the best; Denise, Krispy, mom, Ashley and Reagan.
© C.M Allen All Right’s Reserved
PROLOGUE
I've had to guard a lot of different types of people in this business. A son of a Sheik. Hollywood actors, singers, top CEO's and government officials. I even found myself guarding the presidents dog for one night which actually turned out to be the most obedient, giving me the least attitude of them all.You tell me the persons title and there's a ninety nine percent chance I've guarded them at one point or another in my career. But nothing and I mean nothing in all of my years of experience could have ever prepared me for her. She was the daughter of a well-known oil tycoon in Texas, Gordon Crawford, one of the most powerful men in the business. But when he comes to me to protect his only daughter and tells me of the pressing reasons for his request, I have no reason to say no, that is until she walks into the room. One look at her and I'm not sure if I didn't just take on a shit ton of trouble.
CHAPTER ONE HUDSON
After getting back last night from visiting Tanner and Evangeline in Montana for their engagement party, I was done for. I passed out in my bed not even taking a shower, or my clothes and shoes off, just a face plant in my bed and I was out. Waking up this morning, I've got a severe case of bourbon breath from all those toasts we made to the happy couple,and knowing I've got the meeting with Gordon Crawford today at ten, I look at my phone to see what time it is. Once my eyes focus in on the time, I can see its nine fifteen. "Shit!" Jumping out of bed I don't even waste a minute taking a shower, instead I just use a wash cloth and deodorant to cover up any offensive smells. Brushing my teeth and running wet fingers through my hair I change into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and I'm good to go, and out the door by nine thirty five. Hopping on my motorcycle, I easily navigate through the traffic downtown and beat them to the office building by ten minutes. After checking in with our front desk guard Brock, I'm in the elevator and on my way up. As the doors to the elevator open I rush down the hall towards my office. "Are they here yet or do I have time?" I ask my secretary Cindy.
"You've got about three minutes before they get here. Brock just called and said he was sending them up."
"Shit! Okay, give me like two minutes after they arrive then let them in."
"Sure thing HD, she says looking me up and down. “Looks like you could use a few moments to maybe get it together and not look like you just rolled out of bed and rushed in here this morning?"
"It was late when I got in last night, so yes Darlin needless to say I overslept."
Chuckling she asks. "Did you at least pay for a cab for the lady?"
"Ha ha I was in Montana for Tanner’s engagement party remember?"
"Oh that's right you'll have to fill me in later, now get going before they get a look at your disheveled self." She says shooing me away.
"Two minutes." I say entering my office closing the door behind me.
Cindy...God I love that woman. If there's anyone who can keep my ass in check, it's her. In her mid-fifties, she's still a beautiful, spunky woman with a great body, and a husband who would kill me if he ever knew my real thoughts about his wife. At thirty six I'm not ashamed to say I do find the older ladies just as attractive as the younger ones. Sometimes the older ones are even better, less drama. Getting my head on straight, I hit the start button on the coffee maker so I have some to offer them when they walk in. Just as I finish clearing my desk off Cindy buzzes that she's bringing them in. Getting up I head towards the door to greet them both. Walking in first is Mr. Crawford. Even though he's in his early sixties with salt and pepper colored hair he's still a very well built and distinguished looking man who no doubt stays in good shape for his very beautiful and much younger wife. At six foot one we are pretty much at the same eye level. With me beating him by only an inch. "Mr. Crawford, welcome. It's very nice to see you this morning sir."
Shaking my hand he says, "You as well Mr. Drake. And thank you for seeing me on such short notice."
"Not a problem, I assure you." Looking behind him I don't see anyone other than his bodyguard/driver in the waiting room. "I'm sorry, I thought you were bringing your daughter in with you this morning so we could meet and go over her protection details together."
Motioning behind him he says. "Oh she's here, she's just using the ladies room, and she should be in shortly."
"Of course." Leaning out the door I get Cindy's attention. "As soon as Miss Crawford arrives, please show her in."
"Will do Sir." She replies with a smile playing the part of the perfect secretary in front of our guests. Not like the ball busting one who keeps me on my toes that she really is.
Closing the door I walk over to Mr. Crawford. "Please have a seat. Would you care for some coffee while we wait for your daughter?"
Sitting down he lets out a breath. "No thank you, I'm fine. But before my daughter gets in here I think I need to warn you that she’s...well she's not very happy with me right now a
nd this whole mess I've put us in and she's definitely not happy about having someone shadow her." Taking a moment he finally says. "I'm not making any excuses where she's concerned Mr. Drake, I've always given that girl anything and everything she's ever wanted in life, all she's had to do is snap her fingers or bat those big brown eyes at me and I'm done for. I love my daughter very much, but I need you to understand that Presley, can be a bit difficult when she's put into situations she has no choice in the matter. You come very highly recommended and I'm counting on you to keep her safe and not quit on me like her last five bodyguards."
Recalling what Evangeline had said about Presley, and now her father confirming it, I know I need for him to understand just how I work. "Look Mr. Crawford."
"Gordon, please."
"Okay Gordon, first of all, I've never quit on a client before and don't plan on starting now, but, I need you to understand I've dealt with a lot of difficult clients, and with those individuals I've had to use a little of what I like to call tough love, so what I'm going to need from you Sir; is to know that no matter what your daughter calls and tells you, I'm only doing the job you're paying me for, and I need you to stand firm with me on the decisions I make, where her safety is concerned. I can't have you interfering in any of the rules I set in place, otherwise she's just going to continue to play the 'I'm calling daddy’ card to get out of whatever decision I may have made. I know she's your only child and I will keep her safe, but I have to know that I have your complete cooperation on this or it's not going to work."
"And you have it, all, I'm concerned with is keeping her out of harm’s way. The people I chose to get into business with all those years ago will use her as leverage against me if they get a hold of her, and I can't have that, so I will do as you ask."
Getting up, I move to shake his hand when we hear a knock at the door and it opens with a woman's voice screeching. "I can't believe all you have to offer me in this dump is coffee!"
Looking up I finally get a clear look at my best/worst nightmare. I never had time to Google Presley Crawford before I took on this case with it being such short notice, but when I see her walk in the door I really wish I had, then I could have saved myself from the dopy dog look that I know crosses my face at the sight of her. Jesus, this girl is stunning! Looking her over she's about five foot six without the four inch black heels she's got on, long dark brown hair that kisses the middle of her back, and her mother must have been Italian or Sicilian with the tan complexion she has. Watching as she approaches me, she's a tiny thing; that I know will come in real handy one day when I have to throw her over my shoulder because she pitches a fit about something. The way she's dressed screams sexy professional. A black pencil skirt that hits just below the knees and a very tight white shirt that's open three buttons down. Looking at the beauty she is, I need to remind myself that she's my charge and will never be anything more. That's one rule I've never broken and I'm not about to with her. Ah shit, who am I kidding? I'm as fucked as fucked can get right now.
CHAPTER TWO PRESLEY
After my dad and I are sent up to meet with this Hudson Drake, I Google him to see what this new jerk who's going to be guarding me this week looks like, fully expecting one of the meat heads my dad usually hires to guard me. That is until I piss them off enough to quit. But I'm shocked by what I find, Hudson Drake, is a very good looking man, with his dark hair, blue eyes and a very, very nice body. He's almost perfect. But, knowing he's working for my dad makes him an asshole and the enemy. Screen shoting the photo I text it to my friend Alannah with the caption, "new asshole to piss off." A few seconds later the elevator dings telling us we've reached our floor. Just as we exit my phone rings. Looking down at the screen I see its Alannah calling just like I knew she would after I sent her that pic. Hitting the answer button I tell her to hold on. "Dad I need to take this and run to the ladies room."
"Alright, but hurry up, and Pres?" "Yes?"
Walking closer he pulls me in for a hug. "Do me a favor baby girl, and take it easy on this one. You are the most important thing in this world to me and I need you to take this seriously."
Giving him my best puppy dog eyes I tell him. "I'll try, for you Daddy."
Kissing the top of my head he says. “That's my girl, now finish your phone call and come find me, it's that door there okay?" He says pointing to the one down the hall on the left.
"Yes Daddy." I say in my most innocent voice kissing his cheek. Turning down the hall I put the phone to my ear. "I take it you got the pic?"
"Holy shit! Yes I did, that’s the guy who is going to be guarding you?"
"Yes, he’s the latest in the long line of assholes my dad’s hired."
"Well he's hot! You sure you don't want to keep this one
around? Hell, I want him to guard me. The things we could do together, whew."
Laughing at her comments I say: "And have him tell my Father everything I do? No thank you. No, he's got to go just like the rest."
"Well you should at least sleep with him before you piss him off into quitting."
She raises a good point, by the looks of him, he would definitely be a good time. "I'll think about it, just depends on if I can stand his ass long enough to. I hate it when these pricks think that they can run my life. I'm so mad at my father for making such a mess of things that I have to have a babysitter now. I'm twenty eight flipping years old and I'm being watched like a two year old! It sucks!"
Letting out a sigh she says. "I know it does, but the Mexican Mafia is no one to piss off Presley, and your Dad did just that."
"Don't you think I know that? I don't need you reminding me Al, I can think about that everyday all on my own!"
"I know, I know. I'm sorry. I just think maybe you should be more careful. If they ever got their hands on you, there's no telling what they would do."
Knowing just what they do to the women they capture in Mexico, I try not to think about it for another second. "Look, my family is very high profile, especially now thanks to my father, so there's no way they're going to try and take me knowing all of the media and FBI will be all over their asses if they do. Anyway, enough of this depressing shit, I have to go and meet my new babysitter so I'll text you later okay?"
"Alright. And good luck!"
"Thanks” I say hanging up the phone and checking myself in the mirror. Applying some lipstick, I grab my purse and head out. Walking up to the waiting area I see Dillion my Dad’s bodyguard that has the typical meat head look standing outside the door. "So do I just go in or what?" I ask the older woman behind the desk.
Getting up and coming around to the door she says. "Oh yes, Mr. Drake asked that you'd be brought in as soon as you arrived."
"Do you have anything to drink?"
"We have some coffee if you'd like." "Nothing that’s stronger?"
"I'm afraid not Miss Crawford, we do have seltzer water if you’d like."
"Just forget it. I can't believe all you have to offer me in this dump is coffee." I say as she opens the door and I see my father with Hudson Drake, causing me to take an added quick breath. Holy shit! "Just remember he's another bossy asshole." I say to myself as I walk in.
Striding towards me he extends his hand. "Miss Crawford, it's so nice to meet you, please come in and have a seat."
Looking to his secretary he says. "Thank you Cindy that will be all." Turning my sights back on him as I make my way to the empty seat in front of his desk I ask. "So are you the one who will be guarding me?"
Sitting behind his desk he clasps his hands together in front of him on the desk. "Yes I am.”
"Hmm, aren't you a little too small for that? I mean Dillion out there has you by seventy or eighty pounds at least, I thought you'd be much bigger then you are."
"Presley, that's enough." My father scolds me in his 'I'm trying to be stern with you voice.'
"Miss Crawford."
"You can address her as Presley." My father interjects, "Alright, Presley."
"Tha
t's Miss Crawford to you." I tell him in the snottiest tone I can muster.
Sitting back in his chair he chuckles as he steeples his fingers in front of himself trying to project domination in this meeting, then he leans forward and addresses my father. "Gordon, would you please excuse your daughter and me for a moment so we can talk and go over her security detail?"
Looking over to my father knowing he never allows anyone to give him orders I turn back to Mr. Jackass in front of me and wait for my father to educate him on just who he's talking to, when he stands and replies. "Yes. I think that would be a good idea.” Kissing the top of my head on the way out he says. "I'll be right outside waiting for you when you've finished up in here baby girl."
Watching him leave and shut the door behind him, I'm in shock. "What the hell just happened?" I say to myself as I turn to find a smirking Hudson in front of me once again.
CHAPTER THREE HUDSON
To say this woman was going to try my patience was an under statement. After I ask Gordon to leave the room I can see the smug look Presley gets when she thinks he's going to lay into me for telling him what to do. But the look on her face when he doesn’t is totally worth all the insults she's hurled at me since she's walked through the door. Leaning on my desk, I wait as she turns back to me after her father leaves the room. Crossing her arms in front of her chest in a defiant move she presses her lips together in a firm line. "Now to answer your first question Miss Crawford, no I don't weigh over three hundred pounds, but I guarantee you I can and will efficiently protect you with my six foot two, two hundred and forty pound body."
"Psft, whatever, Dillion could probably kick your ass."
Chuckling at her child like comebacks I reply. "Well he could try now couldn't he, but we're getting off the subject here. Your father has hired me to do a job and I don't plan on letting him down, so there are a few rules I have that you and I need to get straight here."
"Whoa! I'm the client here, so I think I will be the one making all the rules. You work for me not the other way around." She tells me in a firm tone. All I can do as I watch her, is try like hell to keep my mind out of the gutter and on the task at hand with the way she squirms in her chair. This frisky little filly is just hacking away at my one unbroken rule with those pouty lips of hers and the way she keeps licking them.
